Beppu Rakutenchi
About This Destination
Rakutenchi opened in 1929 on the slope of the hills just west of central Beppu, which makes it one of the older amusement parks still running in Japan. The entrance is at the bottom; a cable car, one of the steeper ones in the country, hauls you up to the park, and the return ride is included in the entry ticket.
The thing everyone remembers is the duck race, run every day since 1950. Ducks waddle down a little course, you pick a winner for a small fee, and a correct guess wins a prize. It is silly, and it draws a crowd every time. Rides are modest and paid separately with ride tickets or a ride pass.
Admission also covers the park's own hot spring bath, a plain indoor bath with simple-type spring water, which is a very Beppu touch. The park is closed most Tuesdays outside school holidays and may close for a few weeks in winter, so check before you go. Buses from Beppu Station take about 20 minutes.
Location
Prefecture: Oita
Address: Beppu, Oita, Japan
Nearest Station: Beppu Station (bus, about 20 minutes)
Hours note: Roughly 9:30 to 17:00, varying with season and weather; usually closed on Tuesdays outside school holidays.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn; it is a pleasant half-day add-on to a Beppu onsen trip
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Access
Oita, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Is the hot spring at Rakutenchi included in the ticket?
Yes. Admission includes the return cable car ride and the park's indoor hot spring bath. Rides and the duck race are paid separately.
What is the duck race at Rakutenchi?
A short race of live ducks down a small course, held several times a day since 1950. You buy a ticket on the duck you think will win, and if it comes first you get a prize.
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